Curriculum Content
Explore feature articles and special columns below to uncover practitioner-friendly lessons and curricular advice from Teaching for High Potential authors and columnists. Use the issue reference at the end of the title to access the issue in which the article is featured in the THP Issue Library.
Language Arts History/Social Studies Science
Technology Mathematics Visual/Performing Arts
Language Arts
Vocabulary Instruction in the Common Core State Standards Era Fall 2012
by Chandler, K. and Dullaghan, B.
Identifying and developing potential in underserved students begins by promoting vocabulary growth.
Bridging Literature to Literacy through Authentic Reading Experiences Spring 2012
by Baker, J.
Building a love of reading in middle school GT boys by instituting a family novel read, with amazing results for both the child and the parents.
New Advances…Old Responsibilities Spring 2011
by Dixon, F.
Dixon makes a link between 21st Century technology competence and a decrease in grammar application skills in papers. She makes a plea to make sure GT students are able writers in this digital age.
Differentiating the Curriculum for Talented Public Speakers Spring 2008
by Henshon, S.
The benefits of oral presentations and an outline of how to structure them for GT students.
Nurturing Your Students' Creativity through City Themed Poetry Summer 2011
by Henshon, S.
Finding the creative juices flowing through poems revolving around the urban environment.
Encouraging Students to Publish Spring 2007
By Henshon, S.
A general soup-to-nuts outline of the steps of process writing.
The Arts: Minds in Motion. Organic Storytelling Winter 2010
by Herman, G.
Using organic interventions within storytelling for audience participation based on a traditional West African story telling technique called the Capy.
The Arts: Minds In Motion. Student Storytelling Festivals Spring 2011
by Herman, G.
Using storytelling festivals as an extended, and exciting, authentic venue for student performances.
Technology Untangled: Is This the Future of Reading? Spring 2008
by Housand, B.
Five terrific online resources to find materials for eBooks to use in the classroom.
Raising Global Awareness through Poetry Fall 2011
by Pennington, L.
Using poetry to channel the social and civic mindedness of GT students in ways that reinforce and allow their empathetic feelings to shine through.
The Accelerated Reader Program and Gifted Learners Spring 2010
by Schultz, B.
The negative effects of tying Accelerated Reader (AR) scores to grades on GT students love of reading.
Talking about Text: Engaging Children in Conversations with Depth and Complexity
by Timmermans, K. Spring 2012
Making use of the Icon Game, in conjunction with training workshops, elementary parents can foster rich conversations with their GT children around literature and reading.
Books, Books, and More Books
THP’s own Bob Seney, author of Books, Books, and More Books, takes an in-depth look at Language Arts with a visual perspective, presenting picture books as tools to use across the K-12 curriculum.
Seney’s Top 10 Summer 2012
by Seney, B.
Bob Seney makes the case for his top 10 list of all time favorite young adult books.
Picture Books Fall 2007
by Seney, B.
The use of three picture books (Owl Moon, Ah! and Oh!) for creative language development and connections.
2008 Caldecott Medal Winner-A Great Read! Spring 2008
by Seney, B.
Seney waxes rhapsodic on the merits of the 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner Hugo and other graphic novels.
Finding the Right Book Fall 2008
by Seney, B.
Interesting places that are good resources for finding picture books to use with upper level students.
Pourquoi Tales Spring 2009
by Seney, B.
Four Pourquoi books, plus a bonus text, answers why things are what they are in a fantastical way.
The Books in Books, Books are Picture Books! Winter 2011
by Seney, B.
The Lion and the Mouse, a 2010 Caldecott Award Winner, is the basis for a discussion of the obstacles and challenges facing GT students.
Book Table Buys: More Than Just a Bargain Summer 2011
by Seney, B.
A shout out to find out how GT students feel about a poetry gem of a 1999 novel entitled as The Tale I Told Sasha.
Mirror, Mirror On the Wall, Where Do I Find the Greatest Picture Books of All?
by Seney, B. Fall 2011
Seney presents two picture books, Mirror Mirror and Magic Mirror, which explore how the format of the book can play with meaning and understanding of the reader.
Playing With Words Spring 2012
by Seney, B.
Looking at Calef Brown's picture book Boy Wonders as a humorous and punny way to engage those who love to play with vocabulary and long words.
Textless Books Spring 2007
by Seney, B.
Using textless books by David Wiesner and Chris Van Allsberg as catalysts for creative story telling in student writers.
History/Social Studies
Teaching Current Events as a Feature of a Differentiated Curriculum Winter 2012
by Kaplan,S.
Using current events to spark predictive thinking and help elementary GT students connect how historic events have been transmitted in the past and in the current day.
Subject Matters: Uncovering History in the Elementary Grades Winter 2011
by Henshon, S.
Engaging elementary student inner Egyptologist through an integrative unit of study incorporating archeology, historical research, and creative writing.
Deliberations: Giving Voice to High-Ability Social Studies Students Spring 2011
by Robson, E.
Robson outlines the steps and strategies he use in his classroom to build deliberation in weighing viewpoints, sharing perspectives, researching and prioritizing.
Science
Mindsets Over Subject Matter: How our Beliefs About Intelligence Impact STEM Talent Development
by Andersen, L. Summer 2012
In order to develop talent in the STEM fields, educators must recognize the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, and work to encourage the latter.
They Have Eyes, But Do They See? Summer 2012
by Coxon, S.
Building a foundation for scientific understanding begins by looking at the roots of data collection, observation.
Curriculum Connection. Don't Know Much About Biology… Winter 2010
by Beasley, J.
Looking at the dynamic between the teacher, student and content in fostering science inquiry in order to make connections through authentic leaning experiences.
The Changing Weather: Developing Conceptual Understanding in Young Children of Weather Phenomena
by Coxon, S. Winter 2012
Using the macroconcept of change through activity-based lessons fosters second grade students development of a deep understanding of the weather and scientific thinking.
The Sport of the Mind: First Lego® Winter 2010
by Coxon, S.
Looking at how the First Lego League ® competition promotes science, self-efficacy, and confidence in spatially gifted students
Resources for the Educator. Focus: Science Fall 2009
by Danielian, J.
A full range of websites and print resources for worthwhile and targeted science lessons.
Remembering the Gifted in the World of Standardized Testing: Preserving the Rigor and Wonder of Science
by Fohl, G. Spring 2007
Making science education for GT students meaningful, authentic, and differentiated to combat the woes of current NCLB science classroom practice.
STEM, STEMM, or STEAMM? Summer 2012
by Schultz, B.
Pushing for more STEM education does not solve many of the problems our gifted and talented students may face, especially in the areas of testing and applying what is learned.
From Capital Hill to the Classroom Spring 2011
by Green, N.
How the National Science Board's 2010 Preparing the Next Generation of STEM Innovators supports the celebration of intellectual achievement in gifted children.
Subject Matters. Rocks Rock!: Teaching Geology to Elementary School Students
by Henshon, S. Winter 2010
Geology resources and lessons for teaching science at the elementary level.
Subject Matters: The Seven Components of Successful Programs for Scientifically Gifted Students
by Henshon,S. Winter 2009
Strategies for making science connected, relevant, and nurturing for the scientifically gifted student.
Scientifically Speaking: Science is a Verb Spring 2012
by Coxon, S.
Recommendations for making science relevant and robust within the elementary school classroom.
Technology
Tesla Time: Igniting Imaginations with Web-Based Instruction Spring 2010
by Heilbronner, N.
The design features of an interactive web simulation to build conceptual understanding of electricity and circuitry using problem-based scenarios.
eFolio: An Electronic Portfolio Option for All Learners Fall 2009
by Skinner, W.
The use of a web-based portfolio site to promote student reflection and engagement in a differentiated way.
Read Technology Untangled, authored by THP columnist Brian Housand.
A Picture is Worth A Billion Dollars? Summer 2012
by Housand, B.
There are numerous meaningful and creative ways that photography can be integrated into the classroom. Access to online photo sharing sites along with creative ideas for the use of digital photos can create a spark in your classroom.
Flipping the Classroom: A Revolution Fall 2012
by Housand, B.
Try “Flipping the Classroom” and see what can happen when students receive information and content at home and apply their newly acquired knowledge while in class.
Online Curriculum: Just Point and Click? Fall 2007
by Housand, B.
Several quality online sites to help busy teachers find value added lessons to match the needs of a student in terms of both function and structure in terms of an on-line curriculum.
The Potential Power of Podcasting Fall 2008
by Housand, B.
Several quality online podcast sites in multiple curriculum areas.
Wikipedia: A Land of Truth or Myth Fall 2009
by Housand, B.
The use of four tabs in the Wikipedia toolbar to reap extra information: article, discussion, edit, and history.
Collaboration is a Cinch with EtherPad Winter 2010
by Housand, B.
Using EtherPad, an online word processing site, to have up to 16 students collaborate together in real time without the restrictions of Google Docs.
Happy Birthday to YouTube Spring 2010
by Housand, B.
Reflecting on 5 year's worth of pros and cons connected with the use of YouTube as well as three sites of particular worth to use.
Going Glogster: Online Posters Spring 2011
by Housand, B.
Using the educational version of Glogster as a way to generate online, interactive posters to promote creative digital expression.
Tear Down this Firewall! Fall 2011
by Housand, B.
Looking for balance between safety and access to needed information in terms of school's internet filters and firewalls.
Inspiring Student Creativity from SCRATCH Winter 2009
by Housand, B.
Using a the free online source, SCRATCH, to teach programming to students through mini-lessons and projects.
Blogs Spring 2007
by Housand, B.
A brief outline of what to look for in setting up blogging within the classroom.
Engaging QRriosity with QR Codes Winter 2012
by Housand, B.
How to make QR (Quick Response) codes, how to use them for classroom instruction, and some caveats about the new technology.
Math
The Wizard of Oz, Santa Claus, and Mathematics Winter 2010
by Gramberg, H.
Carmody's lessons chronicles the joy of a lesson in which students fully "get" that mathematics is socially constructed and that they can be constructors as well.
Nurturing Mathematical Minds: Differentiation Strategies and Curriculum that Promote Growth
by Sands, M. Summer 2012
Curriculum for gifted math students should be accelerated when appropriate and opportunities provided that allow for growth in the individual student.
Read iMathination, authored by THP columnist Eric Mann.
Thinking about Mathematical Thinking Summer 2012
by Mann, E.
Sometimes it is the simple problems in Mathematics that, when revisited, can lead to new revelations and excitement.
What's in a Name? Spring 2012
by Mann, E.
In search of the deeper and more essential elements when trying to define what mathematics really is.
Back to Our Roots: Exploring the Development of Mathematics Spring 2009
by Mann, E.
By teaching the mathematical history and thinking behind common algebraic formulas enlivens mathematical understanding in GT students.
Rigor in Mathematics Problem Quality Spring 2007
by Mann, E.
Advocating for the use of higher level, complex, and open-ended mathematical problems in developing a mathematical mindset in students.
Finding the Right Problem Fall 2007
by Mann, E.
Designing mathematical problems of quality, not quantity, to develop mathematical thinking and understanding in students.
Improving Mathematical Thinking Spring 2008
by Mann, E.
Using messy but well thought out problems and strategies to increase flexibility and persistence in math.
Houston: Can We Have Another Problem Spring 2010
by Mann, E.
Using more open-ended creative exercises in mathematics class reaps rewards in confidence and flexibility of thought.
And Waldo Asked, "Where's Math?" Winter 2012
by Mann, E.
Looking at the Math Trails site in order to find problems and places where mathematics thinking and exploration are the name of the game.
Thinking Like a Mathematician Winter 2009
by Mann, E.
Talking about the Einstellung Effect; using a set procedure to answer problems even when less efficient or inappropriate.
Extreme Math Makeover: Classroom Edition Spring 2011
by Mann, E.
Engaging online resources to help engage the love of mathematics exploration and thinking in unique and energizing ways.
Using Model-Eliciting Activities in Math Class Summer 2011
by Mann, E.
Using Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) in math classes to foster mathematical reasoning and communication skills in a problem-based learning situation.
Visual and Performing Arts
The Mural and the Nobel Prize Spring 2010
by Golberg, S.
Painting a group mural leads to more than just paint on a wall in terms of group collaboration and pride.
It's Just a Hobby that I'm Good at: Crystallizing and Paralyzing Influences in the Development of Musical Ability
by Japp, A. Winter 2011
The effects of positive and negative influences of family, peer and school in terms of fostering expertise in musically talented GT youth.
Read The Arts: Minds in Motion, authored by THP columnist Gail Herman.
The Arts: Minds in Motion. Kids Capture Kinetic Energy in the Visual Arts Fall 2007
by Herman, G.
Using mental imagery and energy terms to generate movement and sound creations based on paintings.
The Arts: Minds in Motion. Focusing On the Arts in Kerala Spring 2008
by Herman, G.
Herman reflects on the artistic expression of the dancers and choreographers in this Southern India area.
So You Think You Can Dance! Winter 2012
by Herman, G.
Using the Copy Cat dance routine and the Name and Movement dance process for fun, creative thinking, and building group dynamics.
The Arts: Minds in Motion. Teaching Visual Art History and Appreciation to Young Children
by Herman, G. Fall 2010
Joan Boor uses puppets and an Apartment Timeline to creatively teach art appreciation in a creative, playful and effective way to kindergarteners through second graders.
The Arts: Minds in Motion. Storytelling: What's New Spring 2007
by Herman,G.
Outlining the framework of future articles to cover visual arts, theatre, dance or music followed by resources to promote the use of storytelling in the classroom.
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